Ireland

Last update: 19.02.2025 - older versions

In February 2025, it was reported that regulator Comreg has commissioned FáilteDAB to carry out a new high-powered DAB+ trial in Dublin and surrounding areas for 12 months. The experiment, starting in April, will be operated by Foothold Communications, which owns and operates transmission towers around Ireland and currently has over 1000 radio link and broadcast systems under management. FáilteDAB says only Irish Coimisiún na Meán licensed radio operators will be allowed to participate in the trial.

Local industry news portal Radio Today reported that "Wireless Ireland is planning on launching “a suite of new digital radio services” on DAB+ this year. The new stations are set to launch in the spring, with more details announced in coming weeks. Bauer Media Audio Ireland has also confirmed it will operate services on the DAB+ trial with full details to follow."

Until 31 March 2021, national public broadcaster RTÉ operated a full-service Multiplex across a five transmitter network covering 52% of the population in the main cities.

UK-based small-scale DAB solution specialists Viamux ran a small scale DAB+ trial, in Cork, until August 2019.

Last update: 01.04.2021 - older versions

 Before being switched off, RTÉ’s ‘national’ multiplex reached all the major population centres and a total 52% of the population.

 

Last update: 01.04.2021 - older versions

The EECC requires new passenger cars sold across the EU to include digital terrestrial capabilities as standard.

Last update: 01.04.2021 - older versions

With close proximity to the UK market, DAB receivers are readily available in most electrical retailers.

Last update: 07.11.2024 - older versions

UK-based small-scale DAB solution specialists Viamux ran a small scale DAB+ trial, in Cork, until August 2019.

Last update: 06.07.2017 - older versions

The Broadcasting Act 2009 makes provision for the licensing of sound broadcasting multiplexes to RTÉ and the commercial sector.

Under RCC-06 Ireland has been allotted two frequencies for national DAB multiplexes, 12A and 12C, with other allocations for regional/local multiplexes. The RTE Multiplex is operating on Block 12C (227.360 MHz).

The Broadcasting Act also makes provision for existing commercial broadcasters in multiplex broadcasting areas to migrate to DAB, which includes an extension to their licence of up to six years. However, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland has not yet addressed the issue of establishing a regulatory framework.

Wanted: digital industry task force
15.12.2008 - Ireland Ireland
The social and economic impact on Ireland if it gets the digital media opportunity right could have implications for years beyond the now crippled Celtic ...

(Siliconrepublic.com, Ireland) Read more


Urgent call for digital industry task force
15.12.2008 - Ireland Ireland
The social and economic impact on Ireland if it gets the digital media opportunity right could have implications for years beyond the now crippled Celtic ...

(Siliconrepublic.com, Ireland) Read more


Radio revolution as RTÉ goes digital
01.12.2008 - Ireland Ireland
Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB) is a comparatively recent technology and can only be accessed by buying a DAB radio. The audio quality is much superior to FM, ...

(Irish Times, Ireland) Read more


Car makers can drive digital demand
12.09.2008 - Ireland Ireland
"If these companies were to put DAB radios in their cars from next year, it would completely change the radio market. Suddenly, consumers would have the ...

(Irish Independent, Ireland) Read more


RTÉ Radio 1 to broadcast GAA finals worldwide
09.09.2008 - Ireland Ireland
In Ireland, fans will be able to hear live commentary of on RTÉ Radio 1 on FM, LW 252, online at RTÉ.ie, via NTL and Sky television and on DAB digital radio ...

(RTE.ie, Ireland) Read more


RTÉ Broadcasts Digital Radio Online
24.06.2008 - Ireland Ireland
RTÉ’s trial digital radio stations are now available to listen to nationwide on the RTÉ website at www.rte.ie/radio. Digital radio has been on trial since ...

(AdWorld, Ireland) Read more


Irish Network Operator RTE NL Picks Net Insight''s Nimbra Platform ...
13.05.2008 - Ireland Ireland
Nimbra platform will distribute TV signals (DVB-T), DAB radio, data and various analogue and FM radio channels from existing broadcasters to 10 transmitters ...

(TMCnet) Read more


Net Insight selected to supply Nimbra equipment for the Digital Terrestrial TV distribution network in Ireland
05.05.2008 - Ireland Ireland
In November 2007, RTÉ NL became a Net Insight customer ordering Nimbra equipment for a network to interconnect its regional transmitter sites. The digital TV switchover is commencing soon...

(Net Insight) Read more


Green Tide Flows into UK Radio
10.04.2008 - Ireland Ireland
The anticipated sea change, however, failed to materialise, with various other executives voicing their support for DAB, and Hazlitt's plans weren't enough ...

(Irish Independent, Ireland) Read more


RTE extends digital radio service to Mid-West
27.03.2008 - Ireland Ireland
The extension of the trial of Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) to Limerick and Cork means that almost half the population can now receive digital radio ...

(Limerick Leader, Ireland) Read more


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Key Information

Status: trial and/or regulation
Population: 4.9 million
Total Sales (cumulative): 400,000 devices
Penetration by household: Sparkline Graph 17%
Last update: 07.11.2024

Useful Links

Broadcasting Authority of Ireland
www.dbdb.ie/
www.totalbroadcast.net/
RTÉ Digital Radio